TIPTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Tipton County is one of several Mid-South areas recovering from severe storms on March 31, 2023.
According to the Tipton County Emergency Management Agency, 545 buildings and 453 homes were damaged or destroyed. Nearly 1,500 residents and 400 employees, between three large industries, were grossly impacted by the storm.
Tipton County Sheriff Shannon Beasley confirms that 31-year-old Cody Moses died from his injuries during the storm.
The city of Covington was one of the hardest hit areas. Twenty-eight people were injured in the storms.
It’s a lasting memory for thousands of survivors in this community, including Dennis Taylor, his wife and son.
Taylor is a man of great faith.
"I have to remind myself to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not unto my own understanding," said Taylor, holding his Bible.
His faith was tested, nearly one year ago.
“March 31, a day that we’ll never forget,” said Taylor.
That’s the day a confirmed EF-3 tornado swept through his Covington neighborhood.
“Two minutes later, my life was changed," Taylor said. "My community was changed.”
Within moments, the place Taylor called home was nearly unrecognizable.
“My home wasn’t destroyed, but it was damaged very badly,” said Taylor. “The roof was very bad. All my windows were knocked out.”
Taylor was renting this home. Shortly after the repairs, according to Taylor, the homeowner increased the rent.
In addition to everything they lost in the storm, the Taylor family could not afford to stay. They lost their home, too.
“We are displaced,” said Taylor. “We’re still looking for a place to live right now.”
One year later, Taylor and his family are living with relatives. The Taylor family is one of many still picking up the pieces.
Covington Mayor Jan Hensley believes losing that many homes, all at once, made the recovery more difficult for some, highlighting a slight housing shortage in town.
“You had over about 110 houses that were totally destroyed in Covington,” Hensley said. “We didn’t have 110 homes ready for people to just move into. We're so far behind on the housing market here. We need more development.”
That’s all part of the city’s 2024 plan. Soon, leaders will turn vacant lots into family homes.
Within the next three years, crews will build a new police station with an 8,000-square-foot storm shelter.
Until then, the Taylor family clings to hope.
“That wind and that tornado could have taken me, but God kept me,” said Taylor. “And for that, I am so grateful.”
He’s believing by faith, because just like the storms on March 31, 2023, this, too, shall pass.
According to Tipton County Emergency Management Director Baker McCool, the storm caused $65 million dollars in damages.
In a statement, McCool wrote: “Over the past year our county has received state resources from TEMA, regional TEMA coordinators, TEMA district coordinators, local EMA Directors, and neighboring law enforcement agencies, EMS, and Fire agencies. On the Federal side of the house, we’ve received assistance from FEMA in the way of Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and SBA.”
Recovery Efforts
